Toshiaki Imae told reporters today that he does not plan on exercising his domestic FA option and will remain in Chiba for at least one more year. With regards to what he plans for after 2013, he said, "I would like to hear what other teams have to say." Source: Sports Hochi 11/7/2012

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Ryoji Aikawa has decided not to exercise his international FA option and will remain with the Swallows. He has already informed team. Aikawa re-earned his option this year with his injury exception days. Source: Sanspo 11/7/2012

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The Yokohama Bay Stars are planning to reach out to Daisuke Matsuzaka's agent, Scott Boras, within the next few days. They could be preparing a multi-year deal worth over 600M yen and will be ready to leave it on the table until just before the start of the 2013 season.

Matsuzaka is currently working out in the US. He told reporters at the end of the current season he never considered returning to Japan in 2013. For now, he is looking for an MLB team that will use him on a regular basis over the course of a full season (money is secondary to playing time).

Hanshin Tigers owner Shinya Sakai on Kyuji Fujikawa: "After all, [Fujikawa] is in the US right now. We understand he has those feelings." This was the first time a top-ranking team official admitted that there was a good chance Fujikawa could be leaving for the US. Source: Sports Hochi 11/7/2012